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44% Chocolate with pea protein

Plant Based Protein Chocolate Couverture

Pea Protein 44% is a plant-based chocolate couverture formulated with pea protein, delivering 5 grams of protein per 25 g serving within the chocolate itself, without requiring a separate protein inclusion or coating. Made with Colombian Fino de Aroma cacao at 44% cocoa content, it combines plant-based chocolate with functional formulation capabilities for professional applications.

Certified vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and non-GMO, this couverture is designed for manufacturers developing high‑protein vegan confectionery, functional snack bars and protein‑enriched plant‑based product lines at both artisan and industrial scale.

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pea-protein-chocolate-sensorial-profile

Pea Protein as a Functional Ingredient in Chocolate Couverture

Incorporating plant‑based protein directly into a couverture at formulation level, rather than as a surface coating or external inclusion, presents specific technical challenges. Pea protein affects viscosity, mouthfeel and flavour integration differently from traditional dairy proteins or cocoa solids, and the concentration required to deliver a meaningful protein claim at serving level must be calibrated against the impact on the sensory profile and processing behaviour.

At 44% cocoa content, this couverture delivers balanced cocoa character while supporting the integration of pea protein within the chocolate matrix. The result is a couverture formulated to deliver both the chocolate character expected by professional buyers and the protein content required for functional product positioning.

For manufacturers exploring protein‑enriched chocolate applications, evaluating protein fortification options in chocolate applications delivers a cleaner finished product than protein‑coated inclusions and a simpler production line than combining conventional couverture with separate protein ingredients.

Pea Protein

Sensory Profile and Tasting Notes

Aroma

Aroma

Cocoa, light legume notes

 

Predominantly cocoa with soft legume and low sweet/vanilla notes — clean, without fermented or fruity character.

Tasting Notes

Tasting Notes

Cocoa, legume & cereal

 

Medium-high cocoa intensity with perceptible legume and cereal notes; moderate bitterness, light nutty aftertaste.

Cocoa Intensity

Cocoa Intensity

Predominant, persistent

 

Cocoa provides body and persistence, predominating over secondary protein notes.

Sweetness

Sweetness

Balanced

 

Rounds the profile, allowing cocoa and protein notes to stay evident throughout tasting.

Texture

Texture

Structured, medium melt

 

Good break resistance; protein content slightly slows fat release, with a light drying sensation.

Finish

Finish

Cocoa & protein, moderate bitterness

 

Lingering cocoa and protein character with light vegetable, nut and cereal notes.

Overall Profile

Integrating pea protein directly into the couverture — rather than as a surface coating — delivers a consistent per-serving protein claim while preserving a cocoa-forward, structured bite, relevant for positioning in functional, high-protein and sports-nutrition confectionery categories. For a full explanation of sensory evaluation terminology, visit the Chocolate Sensory Variables Glossary.

Technical Specifications for Professional Chocolatiers

  • 44% cocoa
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Non-GMO
  • High-Protein
Cocoa Content 44%
Protein Source Pea protein
Protein per Serving 5 g per 25 g serving
Dietary Certifications Vegan · Dairy-free · Gluten-free · Non-GMO
Fluidity 3 out of 5
Recommended Tempering Range Melt at 45–55°C (113–131°F). Crystallise and mould at 29.5–31.5°C (85.1–88.7°F).
Available Formats 20 kg box
Shelf Life 12 months
Storage 18–20°C (64.4–68°F), relative humidity below 65%. Keep away from walls and floor, heat, light and strong odours.

A fluidity rating of 3/5 places this couverture in a balanced range — sufficient flow for enrobing and depositing applications, with enough body to carry the protein load without compromising moulded structure.

technical-specifications

DOWNLOAD OUR BALANCE-RANGE CHOCOLATE PORTFOLIO.

Designed for Food Manufacturers & Confectionery Production

High-Protein Vegan Confectionery
Functional Snack Production
Bakery and Pastry

High-Protein Vegan Confectionery

Pea Protein 44% supports a functional protein claim alongside clear plant-based and dairy-free positioning. Moulded bars, bonbons and praline centres developed with this couverture are suited to fitness-positioned and sports nutrition product lines where protein content is a primary purchase driver. The pea protein integration delivers a consistent per-serving protein level without requiring additional processing steps.

High-Protein Vegan Confectionery

Functional Snack Production

Suitable for protein-enriched snack bars and plant-based confectionery applications requiring chocolate coatings with integrated protein functionality. Its plant-based and free-from certification stack supports positioning across multiple dietary claim categories from a single SKU.

Functional Snack Production

Bakery and Pastry

For baked and pastry applications, including ganaches, tart glazes, mousse bases, and entremet fillings, this couverture delivers consistent performance with a clean finish. 

Bakery and Pastry

Professional Applications in Functional Confectionery

Select an application to explore performance characteristics and recommended use cases.

Moulding
Enrobing
Ganaches and Fillings
High-Protein Bars
Snack Coatings

Moulding

Compatible with standard dark couverture moulds and tempering processes — no significant parameter adjustments required compared to conventional dark chocolate. Not recommended for hollow chocolate figures.

Moulding

Enrobing

Consistent coating comparable to standard dark couverture. Stable viscosity at working temperature supports uniform coverage across production runs.

Enrobing

Ganaches and Fillings

Smooth dark ganache, designed for professional filling applications with a rich and indulgent chocolate profile.

Ganaches and Fillings

High-Protein Plant-Based Chocolate Bars

Functional confectionery at artisan and industrial scale where protein content is a primary purchase driver and clean-label credentials are required.

High-Protein Plant-Based Chocolate Bars

Snack Bar Coatings and Inclusions

Protein-enriched vegan snack bars and coatings for sports nutrition and fitness-positioned retail lines.

Snack Bar Coatings and Inclusions

Sustainable Sourcing and The Luker Way

Milk Mulata 37% is made with Colombian Fino de Aroma cacao traced through Luker Trace, Luker Chocolate's traceability system designed to provide origin transparency at bean level. This framework supports manufacturers preparing for evolving deforestation regulations such as EUDR and provides procurement teams with the documentation required for verified supply chain claims.

As a B Corp-certified chocolate manufacturer, Luker Chocolate works closely with cocoa-growing communities across Colombia through The Chocolate Dream programme. In 2023, the programme reached more than 3,900 cocoa-producing families through initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture, biodiversity and long-term livelihood development.

THE CHOCOLATE DREAM

Certifications and Product Attributes

Pea Protein 44% meets the following certification and formulation requirements for professional chocolate applications:

3,900+ Cocoa-growing families in direct partnership across Colombia's producing regions
100% Traceable Colombian Fino de Aroma cocoa, sourced directly from certified communities

Certifications

  • Dairy-Free
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-Free
  • Non-GMO Verified

B Corp Certification: As a certified B Corp, Luker Chocolate meets rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Luker Trace: Every batch is connected to our traceability system—allowing visibility down to specific communities and harvest periods.

family-owned chocolate manufacturer

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Pea Protein 44% plant-based chocolate couverture and how is pea protein incorporated into the formula?

Pea Protein 44% is a plant-based chocolate couverture formulated with pea protein as a key ingredient, providing enhanced protein content while maintaining the taste, texture and processing characteristics expected from a premium chocolate couverture. The pea protein is incorporated as a dry ingredient during refining, carefully balanced with cocoa solids, sweeteners and cocoa butter, optimised for particle size distribution, viscosity and flavour.

Is Pea Protein 44% suitable for vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free product formulations?

Yes. Pea Protein 44% is developed to support vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free product formulations, providing a plant-based alternative while delivering the taste, texture and functionality expected from a premium chocolate couverture.

What packaging formats are available for Pea Protein 44%?

Pea Protein 44% is available in a 20 kg box format. Storage conditions are 18–20°C, relative humidity below 65%, away from heat, light and strong odours. Shelf life is 12 months.

What are the main sensory and flavour notes of Pea Protein 44%?

An aroma predominantly of cocoa with light vegetable protein and soft legume notes, low sweetness and vanilla. Medium-high cocoa intensity with perceptible legume, cereal and light vegetable notes, moderate bitterness and a light nutty aftertaste. Sweetness is balanced, texture is structured with a medium melt and a slight drying sensation, and the finish lingers with cocoa and protein notes.

What are the professional applications of Pea Protein 44% in functional confectionery and pastry production?

Designed for a wide range of professional applications including enrobed products, protein bars, filled chocolates, ganaches, fillings and other high-protein confectionery applications. Specific guidance is available in the technical data sheet.

Each product in the Balance range is part of a complete better‑for‑you portfolio, allowing you to build across multiple health‑positioned claims from a single supply relationship.

Professional Support and Technical Resources